Crowd at Hermit Mountain vicinity to be controlled; ‘Register first to be allowed entrance’

‘Best to visit on weekdays to avoid congestion’

The Binalbagan municipal government, with the Barangay Bi-ao and police authorities, is limiting the number of people to be allowed at Hermit Mountain highway and vicinity in Sitios Trese and Bulwang to manage congestion especially during weekends.

Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) and Brigada News FM 103.1 anchormen – reporters Wednesday afternoon were also told after a meeting of municipal and barangay officials at the Bi-ao barangay hall that kiosks selling coffee and foodstuffs beside the highway in the newest tourist attraction will be relocated to preserve the picturesque views in the windy and cool mountain.

Authorities said that only 300 individuals will be allowed to enter at a time, and when a number of visitors will leave, a similar number will then be allowed to enter.

Today, Jan. 26, 2023, the Municipality of Binalbagan issued a Public Advisory through its Public Information Office:

“All tourists, leisure visitors and all visitors for any purposes of Hermit and Trese in Sitio Bulwang, Barangay Biao shall register at least a day before the travel at the Municipal Tourism Office.

The registration shall be free of charge.

Registration could be done by face to face transaction at the Municipal Tourism Office or they could also use the QR Code and website link for the online registration as an option. https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdRPu340LX…/viewform…

NO REGISTRATION NO ENTRY.

Registration is Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm only.

ONLY a maximum of 300 tourists/leisure visitors at any given time shall be allowed to enter Hermit and Trese in Sitio Bulwang.

The list of first 300 tourists/visitors who have registered at the Municipal Tourism Office shall be submitted to the Barangay for checking at the entrance area.

As per section 1 & 2 of Executive Order No. 5, series of 2020.”

GARBAGE

Meanwhile, visitors are also being urged to avoid leaving behind their garbage.

Reporters saw on Wednesday several garbage receptacles at the highway courtesy of 5th District Congressman Dino Yulo, and tarps with reminders about maintaining cleanliness courtesy of Binalbagan town Mayor Bebot Mirasol.

Former Mayor Emmanuel Aranda was chanced upon at the area Wednesday morning touring his visitors there. He gave more information to mediamen. He said that it is actually called Helmet Mountain because of its shape. It became Hermit due to the pronunciation of the local residents. It used to be the Philippine Army’s temporary camp during the height of the communist insurgency in Negros.

Meanwhile, authorities said vehicles without updated registration, and drivers without or with expired licenses, will not be allowed to enter.

Residents in the area, on the other hand said that it is better to visit the Hermit Mountain vicinity on a weekday because during Saturdays and Sundays the crowd huge just like what happened last weekend.* (Arman P. Toga)